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Photo via ESI design

Giant motion-activated walls turn an office building into a surreal dreamscape

This stunning interactive display turns avant-garde art into the most beautiful lobby in Washintton DC.

 

John-Michael Bond

Tech

Posted on Jul 12, 2016   Updated on May 26, 2021, 11:26 am CDT

Normally if you notice swirling patterns on the wall it’s a sign you should call a doctor, but at Terrell Place in Washington DC it’s just part of the decor. The office building has had 1,700 square feet of special motion-activated display space installed on its walls, resulting in the most psychedelic lobby and common areas in America.

The interactive installation is 80 feet by 13 feet, enveloping the entire room in spiraling lights or nature scenes depending on the mood. Created by ESI design the walls can be programed to show a constantly changing series of patterns that are activated when people move nearby. In addition to the set up’s more abstract elements the installation includes a “season” mode which shows the visitors the city’s famous cherry trees.

Even the “season” setting is interactive. When people walk past the displays the trees sway and lose their leaves. You can see the display for yourself in this stunning video, or by simply walking past the Terrell Place on your next visit to Washington DC. The massive display is visible from the street, meaning you won’t even need to step inside to view this wonderful exhibit.

H/T Design Boom

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*First Published: Jul 12, 2016, 4:32 pm CDT